Miner's Pit

Miner's Pit is a 141-acre designated stream trout lake located in Ely. The lake was formed following the closure of the Pioneer mine and subsequent flooding of the various mine shafts and pits. An underground water connection to Shagawa stabilizes water levels. It stands alone in the Tower area as an anomaly of water chemistry. Coldwater habitat suitable for trout is present and the lake also supports a robust warm water fish community. Flooded timber is abundant in the shallower east bay and provides ample habitat for fish. The combination of wall-like shorelines and submerged snagging hazards make it difficult to sample effectively. Trout abundance is much higher than what our trap nets may suggest. Rainbow trout catch per unit effort (0.1 lb/net) was lower than in recent surveys. All three fish were recently stocked yearlings introduced two weeks prior to the survey and averaged 10 inches in length. Brown trout abundance (0.5 lb/net) was also lower than in recent surveys. Average size was good at 18.0 inches with a maximum of 19 inches. Bluegill numbers (5.7/net) were noticeably lower than the last two surveys and below the lake average. Average length was 6.3 inches which is typical for Miner's. The largest bluegill was 8.5 inches, and also the only fish greater than eight inches captured in this survey. Catches of green and hybrid sunfish, as well as rock bass, were also lower than normal. Largemouth bass numbers (3.2/net) were lower than usual. Average size was small at 10 inches, with a maximum of almost 15 inches. Smallmouth bass catch per unit effort (0.2/net) was typical and average size was also small at 10.5 inches. The population of both species is likely higher than trap nets suggest. Targeted bass sampling has not been completed on Miner's Pit.

Miner's Pit is located just N of Ely within its city limits. This abandoned open pit is managed as a designated stream trout lake. Most of the surrounding shoreline is steep with little development and flooded trees are common particularly on the E end. There is a concrete planked boat ramp for public access on the N side of the lake. A fishing pier is located E of the access for anglers. Other shore fishing options are present around the lake. No campsites are present. Rainbow trout yearlings are stocked annually. Surplus stockings of adult rainbow and other stream trout species such as brown trout have also occurred in recent years. Nine species of fish were sampled using trap nets during the 2018 targeted survey of Miner's Pit. Rock bass (39%) and bluegill (32%) dominated the catch. Several rainbow and brown trout were sampled. Good numbers of largemouth bass and hybrid sunfish were also observed. Rusty crayfish were incidentally sampled also. Seven rainbow trout and five brown trout were sampled in 2018. Rainbow and brown trout average lengths were 16.8 and 17.6 inches, respectively. The largest rainbow measured 20.1 inches while the largest brown trout recorded was 19.5 inches. Bluegill numbers in 2018 (22.9/trap net) were above the historic average (11.3/trap net) for this lake and above average (7.9/trap net) when compared to other similar lakes in the area. Bluegill average length was 7.1 inches which is larger than the historic average length of 6.2 inches. Approximately 15% of the bluegill sampled in 2018 were 8 inches or larger with a maximum length of 8.9 inches recorded. Largemouth bass numbers in 2018 (6.2/trap net) were above the historic average (5.3/trap net) for this lake and above average (0.6/trap net) compared to other lakes in the area that are similar. Largemouth average length was 9.2 inches which is similar to the lake average of 9.0 inches. The largest largemouth measured 18.2 inches. Growth is slow and well below average. Hybrid sunfish numbers in 2018 (12.2/trap net) were slightly above the historic average (11.0/trap net) for Miner's Pit. Sunfish average length measured 6.4 inches which is nearly identical to the average length of 6.5 inches. The largest hybrid sampled in 2018 measured 8.9 inches.

Miner's Pit is a designated stream trout lake located just north of Ely within the city limits. This abandoned iron ore mine has typically steep shores with flooded trees most common on the shallower east end. Rainbow and brook trout yearlings are stocked annually in equal amounts that total over 4,000 fish. In 2015, 1,050 brown trout yearlings were also stocked. Anglers unfamiliar with fishing on designated stream trout lakes should refer to the statewide regulations specifically for these lakes. There is a concrete boat ramp with an adjacent fishing pier for public access located on the north side. In 2015, a total of 10 trap nets were used to sample the fish community. Fish populations were dominated by rock bass and bluegill. Seven additional species were sampled including largemouth bass, brook and rainbow trout, hybrid and green sunfish, smallmouth bass and white sucker. Nineteen brook trout and four rainbow trout were sampled in 2015. Both species were sampled in numbers near their historical averages. Although the trapnet catch of brook trout was higher than for rainbow trout, this is likely due more to the method used for sampling than a true difference in abundance. Most brook trout were about 8 inches long. The largest sampled was only 9 inches long. The average rainbow trout was a respectable 18 inches, much better than the historic average of 13 inches. The largest rainbow sampled was almost 21 inches long. The brown trout yearlings were stocked after the completion of the 2015 fisheries survey. Bluegill numbers were much higher than average than in past surveys and compared to other similar area lakes. The average bluegill sampled was 6.2 inches long. Only about 5% of the bluegill were over 8 inches long. Largemouth bass abundance was higher than average compared to similar lakes in the area but normal compared to past surveys on Miner's Pit. The average largemouth sampled was only 8 inches long and the longest largemouth sampled was 13 inches. Rock bass numbers were much higher than average both for Miner's Pit and compared to similar lakes in the area. The average rock bass sampled was 6 inches and the largest rock bass was nearly 9 inches long. A northern pike were sampled in Miner's Pit in 2012. It is illegal to transport live fish and introduce them into public waters. Northern pike predation can negatively impact stream trout in lakes.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rainbow Trout, Hybrid Sunfish, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Largemouth Bass in Miner's Pit. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Miner's Pit. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Miner's Pit has a maximum depth of 140 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Miner's Pit is from 2024.

No invasive species are on record for Miner's Pit in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.